Our Focus

The Berges Family Foundation began in 2014 as a way to make a lasting, positive impact on the St. Louis community. The desire to see our city enriched grew as our philanthropy began to impact not only cultural arts and engagement, but youth empowerment, STEM preparedness, and support for our heroes – all important areas that change the lives of individuals and the future for everyone.

Empowering Our Community

Annually, we go where the need is greatest and have a commitment to those who are making positive changes in the lives of St. Louisans. Our foundation strives to impact individuals of all ages and bring about positive change for those who may not have hope for a better future; those who struggle with education, medical needs, and those who are underserved.

Each child who has a chance at a STEM education or the ability to thrive in the arts is one more child who can do great things with their future, positively impacting everyone around them – their family, their classrooms, their peer group, and even their zip code – which leads to empowering their entire community.

We can’t do it alone – it takes support and outreach from us all to make real, lasting progress for each child, young adult, and first responder. We challenge you to give to your favorite cause or one of ours – even the smallest amount can make a dramatic difference.

Cultural Engagement

The Berges Family Foundation gives capital and sustaining funds to improve the quality of life for underserved youth who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to thrive through arts and education. Our nonprofit beneficiaries create programs for at-risk youth, who not only love the programs, but often become inspired to make incredible strides toward education and careers in the arts.

We want St. Louis to be an arts and education leader and to continue to evolve as a community of highly talented individuals who share the benefits of the arts. We see St. Louis gaining recognition as a world-class, cultural city that is motivating our youth to carry on this vital thread that brings us all together, crossing all demographic barriers.

STEM Preparedness

STEM is one of our passions! We fully support programs that create future leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM preparedness has never been more important – it is the future of the job market. STEM gives students an invaluable education and a distinct advantage throughout life.

At-risk children and young adults who once had little hope of an education are getting excited and excelling in their STEM curriculum. Many who had no idea what they were going to do with their futures are now planning careers in engineering, medicine, the trades, computer science, and so much more. Their enthusiasm and joy for learning are why we do what we do! With our help and yours, we can continue to change children’s lives and give them a future they had never dreamt of before.

Youth Empowerment

Our foundation believes in serving our under-resourced children through youth empowerment programs. Increasing our grants, educational and arts programs, special health care, and overall support for these children helps them in ways we can only imagine.

Imagine helping an abused, scared foster child find a safe, loving home and letting him know he’s important. Or helping the Girl Scouts educate thousands of girls on an invaluable skill set. How about assisting with after-school arts and education programs so that at-risk kids can foster their talent and confidence while remaining safe?

These are but a few examples that help our children and youth grow into educated, confident, talented, young adults who can accelerate their own opportunities, have a thriving future, and contribute to the socioeconomic future of St. Louis.

Support for Heroes

With gratitude, we provide funding for resources, technology, and programs for our first responders and military veterans who choose to put their lives on the line for us, selflessly asking for nothing in return. As they continue to help others in need locally and around the world, we recognize and wholly support them in whatever way we can.